``I've been here since March 1,'' says Bailey. ``One of the best things about the job is it gives me a chance to be in contact with the public. That's something I really missed.''

Bailey and other park employees are also happy with the park's attendance so far this year. More than 9,000 people used the facility during May. That's a record, he says.

The Smithfield native came to Williamsburg in 1961 with his father, J.R. Bailey Sr., and opened Bob's Sunoco service station on Richmond Road. He immediately joined the Williamsburg Fire Department as a volunteer, then as a paid employee in 1966. He rose through the ranks and was named chief in 1979.

Bailey and his wife, Louise, have been married for 28 years. They have two children and two grandchildren.

In his spare time, Bailey is active in York River Baptist Church, where he is a deacon. He enjoys woodworking, fishing with his friend, Robert Brady, and playing with his grandchildren.

He says his greatest accomplishment is his 30 years in the fire service and being able to retire in fairly good health. His greatest asset is his ability to deal with the public.

Bailey has two pet peeves, people who are late and people who park in fire lanes. His idols are his parents and his wife, whom he says is the greatest influence on his life and his best friend.

He also has two fantasies. One is to fish in Canada for Great Northern Pike. The other is to drive a Winston Cup modified race car.